A RIDE TO MAGNESIA. 123 



Yet what a difference between the orderly composure 

 of these holiday-makers, and the noisy mirth of our 

 own compatriots. These folks take their kef, as 

 they do everything else, quietly. Here you may see 

 hundreds of revellers, and not a drunkard among 

 them. Perhaps the repose of the scene draws some 

 of its influence from those sombre burying-grounds, 

 of which two are just opposite. Nowhere is such 

 truth of funereal effect preserved as in this country. 

 Pere la Chaise and all European cemeteries are puerile 

 in comparison. The stately evergreen which they 

 have consecrated to the overshadowing of the dead 

 fulfils the idea of solemnity and awe. There is effect 

 in the manner in which the simple headstones are 

 planted together, with no separation of rails, no 

 interspersion of pretending sarcophagi All have 

 returned to their dust, and have put off the ephemeral 

 distinctions of life ; they have returned to the bosom 

 of their mother, where there is no aristocracy, and 

 slumber as brethren till they shall be aAvakened to 

 new distinctions. 



This is a place where at odd times many a pleasant 

 hour may be passed. It is such a thoroughfare (at 

 least the bridge, though you are in the shade by its side, 

 well out of the bustle), that there is always something 

 passing Avorthy of notice. It is also a capital place 

 to practise the language, if you have any of it to 

 expend. You see the strangest figures entering from 

 the interior with their merchandise, which is all 



